Liverpool Players ‘Don’t Have Energy For 90 Minutes’ — Iraola

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has said that his side are struggling to sustain the required level of fitness to compete for 90 minutes following a 3-2 defeat to Monaco in preseason.

The Reds gave up a two-goal lead for the second time in-a-row this summer.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz — who both had disappointing debut seasons at Liverpool — put the hosts two nil up before half-time but Monaco fought back and Paris Brunner’s late header condemned Iraola’s side to defeat at Anfield.

Speaking to club media, Iraola suggested that the team are currently unable to keep up the level he expects.

“I think we played really good [in the] first half, especially the first 30 minutes, but right now probably we don’t have much more in terms of the level required to play like this. Then they were much better in the second half,” Iraola said.

“In the same way we were better in the first half they were much better in the second half, and they deserved to turn around the game, yes.”

Speaking about the fact that several senior players got their first preseason minutes under their belt in this match, Iraola said:

“I think they were in different levels but mostly they were in a good place. I think the ones that it was their first game, or even the ones that it was their second game, they had energy.

“The problem is right now probably they don’t have the energy for 90 minutes and they start to get tired. It will take time with them, we need more training with them.

Liverpool have been hit with a number of injury blows in preseason, particularly in defence, with Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and new signing Jérémy Jacquet both injured. Curtis Jones also missed out in the Monaco match due to “hip issues,” according to Iraola.

However, sources have told ESPN that Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo is set to join the Reds on loan in what would be a boost to their backline options. The deal includes an option for a permanent transfer for a fee of €55 million (£47m / $64m.)

Araújo, the Barcelona captain, primarily plays as a center back but can also operate at right back

Liverpool face Como next in their final preseason match before kicking off the new Premier League season against Newcastle on August 23.